Flexible coupling



s sheets-'sheet 1 ./f A y INVENTOR.

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a; THOMAS FLEXIBLE COUPLING Filed sept. 2v, 1957 Dec. f5, 1939.

Z/ j] 2z 23 ElErhaE BY i Y u v s I ATToRNEYs.,

' *FLEXIBLE couPLING 1 FiledSept. 2, 1957 Y 3 Sheets-Sheet I5 INVENTORL ATTORN EYS.

I the Patented 5,` v u n nxmns 'comme v Bertha E. Thomas, Warren, Pa., assigner to y'.lliomas Flexible Coupling Company, Warren, u Ta., a corporation oi Pennsylvania Appunti@ september z, 1931. sei-a1 No. 162.205 'jl 11 claims. I (Ci. en -'13) The present invention relates to iiexible shaft couplings and more particularly to certain improvements in a iiexibleshait couplingvsuch as disclosed in my issued Patent 1,326,993 granted 5 January 6, 1920.

'I'he primary object oi' the present invention is to provide an improved' iiexible coupling which will provide a positive driving connection begtween its connected shafts and permit angular and parauel misaugnment or .the shafts'without friction, wear or undue strain upon the exible elements thereof.

A furtherobject of the invention is to provide a flexible coupling wherein bending strain of the A exble coupling elements will b'e distributed on a line circumferentially of the coupling in a manf ner so as to prevent any sharp or abrupt bending of thev elements when end'play or misalignment of the shafts occurs.

A further object of the invention resides in the provision of a flexible coupling 'embodying improved Vfeatures of assembling which will permit replacement of the intermediate coupling elements while the coupling members are in fixed position upon their respective shafts.

A'still furtheraand important object 'of the invention is to provide a laminated exible metal disc ring having the laminations thereof so relatedV to one'another as to provide maximum strength and evenly distributed flexibility.

Other objects and.advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, taken in connection with they accompanying drawings forming a part o'f this specilication and in which drawings:

' Figure 5 is-a plan view of a ribbed two hole l washer as shown in Figures -lto 1 and showing gin ribs on the washer.l

Figure 6 is a plan view showing a ribbed four hole washer. v

Figure 7 is a perspective view ofa group or series of iiezdbie metal discs shown in circumferentiaily offset relation for assembling into a laminated flexible disc ring of a four-point coupling type as shown in Figure 1.v l '55 vFigure 8 isa perspective view to Figure lt heads held againstturning by the mar 7 but showing the discs as arranged for a six point couplingsuch as shown in Figure 10.

Figure 9 is a lonQtSudinal section through a slightly modied form oi coupling' having a .six point coupling for the laminated rings and em` 5 ploying separable bosses and washers of the single bolt type. A Y l Figure 10 is a transverse section `on line lli-I0 of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a'perspective view of one of the 10 separable bosseaas shown in Figure 9.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of one of the washers as shown invFigure 9.

Figure 13 is a perspective view oi a modied `form of separable boss of the' single non; type 1s having extended lugs along its inner edge.V

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a washer for boss and washer respectively, the-boss having extended spaced apart pins along its inner edge -and the washer having extended apart pins along its outer edge.

Figure 17 is a fragmentary longitudinal section 25 through the coupling showing a modiiied form of boss and washer from that shown in Figures 9 to 12.l i Y Figures 18 and 19 are perspective views respectively of the boss and washer shown in Figure 17. 30

Figures 20 and 21 are perspective views respectively oi a boss and washer having the position of the lugs reversed from that .shown in Figures 13 and 14.

. 'mazzandzaareperspecuveviewsrespee- 35 tively of Aa boss and washer' having the position.

of the pins reversed from that shown in'Figures 15 and 16. Figure 2 4 is `a. fragmentary-longitudinal'section thru the coupling showing the boss and provided with an extended lip at both the inner and outer arcuateL edges thereof. I Figures 25 and 26 are perspective views respecf Y tively of the boss land washer shown in Flgln'e 24. Figure 27 is an end view of amodied form 'of 45 the flexible coupling having the laminated metal rings of diiierent radii. Y Figure 28 is an enlarged sectional view'on line y 28-28 of Figure 27.

Figure 29 is a-sideelev'ation of the centerm ring of the coupling shown inFigure 27. Y

In the drawingsk and wherein like reference characters te corresponding parts throughout the views, and reierrins iirst to the 19m o1' the invention as disclosed inligures'l to :a pair of laminated metal ldisc rings'l8 and I I which respectively provide a flexible connection between the coupling member 1 and center ring 9, and between the coupling member 8 and the 'center ring 9. The coupling members 1 and 8 may be secured to the shafts and 8 by means of keys I2 or by other suitable means whereby the ends of tahe shafts. are slightly separated as in Figure f 1` The coupling members 1 and Ily are of identical constructionand each is formed with a hub I3 having a iiange I4 formed on the outer endof the hub. The outer face of the ilange I4 is provided with an annular groove I5 co-axial with the hub I3. Formed on the inner face of the flange I4, in evenly spaced apart relation, are

elongated segmental-shaped bosses I8 and which in the examples shown in Figures 1 to 4 are two ing surfaces rounded or eased off at each end of the boss in a slight curve or a'rc as at I1. x As willbe observed particularly in Figures lf and 4, these curves or arcuate end surfaces I1 have their axes of generation on a line radially of the coupling and the surfaces`l1 curve in circumferential relation to the ange. Each boss I6 is provided with two. transverse'openings I8 for receiving coupling bolts I9, and provided in the ange I I midway between the boss IS-is an elongated. arcuate opening 20 extending thru the lannular groove I5.

Referring now to the center or coupling ring 9, this ring has formed upon opposite facesthereof, aligned segmental-shaped bosses 2I which are elongated circumferentlally of the ring and are provided with two openings 22 for receiving coupling bolts 23. The bearing surfaces of these bosses 2I are also eased oif at each end of the boss in a slight curve or arc as at 2l whereby' these curved end surfaces curve in circumferential relation to the center ring. The center ring is provided with an axial opening 25, and the bosses 2| at each side of the ring fare arranged in vdiametrically disposed relation for positioning between the bosses on the coupling members 1 Figure 7. Inthe rolling of metal into thin sheets,

`a 4grain is produced in the metal so that the strength of the metal is to some degree dependent upon the direction in which the grain runs. As will be observedy in Figure '1, the thin metal discs are assembled in such relation that the radially to theA of the disc with whichit isl grain of the metal oi; one disc, indicated-by the parallel lines across the disc, will be atan angle in ccntact. In 'the example iuustratcd in nu;q

` ure '1, wherein the'laminated ring embodies four vdiscs or flaminations, thegrai'n.. of the metal in adjacent discs will be circumferentiallyotfsetfor 90. Each of the discs a, b, c and d -isxprovided -v with four companion pairs of openings 28 which' are' arranged 90 apart and one diametrically disposed pair of these'opehinss-l is vadapted to receive the bolts I9, while. the. other diametrlcally disposed pair of the openings are adapted to receiv the bolts 23. The laminated rings I9 and I 'are disposed one between the center ring and the coupling member 1 and the other between the center ring and thecouplingmember 8, with opposite faces of the rings alternately contacting the bosses I8' and 2l.

The heads of the coupling bolts I9 which connect the laminated rings to the'respective coupling members, are seated in elongated arcuateshaped washers 21 which iit in' the annular groove I5.' These washers 21 are formed with lribs which the bolt heads engage for preventing the bolts from turning as shown in Figure 5. 'Fitting over the inner threaded end of each 'companion pair of bolts I9 to co-act with the vbosses I6 is a plain arcuate-shaped washerl having its endedges rounded or eased oil as at 29. Nuts; 30 threaded upon the inner ends of the bolts I9, securel the laminated rings to their respective couplingsmembers with one face of the ring engagingv the bearing surface of the bosses I8 and the opposite face engaging thebearing surface of the washers 28. :As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the rounded end edges I1 of each boss I8`and the rounded end edges 29 of its 'cc-acting washer`28 provide circumferentiallyflared surfaces at each end of the surfaces of attachment of the laminated rings` to the coupling members, thus permitting the rings to ilex in either direction with a distribution of the strain of bending instead of allowing the strain to concentrate at a-sharp edge when end play or misalignment of the shafts and 6 occurs.

As will `b$notedparticularly in Figure 3, the laminated-metal rings IIi and Il are of a width equal to the width of the ring4 engaging surfaces lof the `lzoosses and their` respective washers. Thus, the rounded endsurfaces of the bosses and washers extend across* the entire width of the flexible rings on a line radially of the rings whereby during exing of the rings in either direction, the'rings will have full width' contact J`with the rounded end surfaces so that-the strain of pull is distributed across the entire width of the rings. l

'I'he heads of the coupling bolts 23 which connect the laminated rings to the center ring 9r are seated and held against rotation in elongated arcuate washers 8i which are freely movable through land align with the arcuate openings 20 inthe coupling member 8. These washers 3l co-act with the bosses 2| on one side of the center ring and have their end edges rounded oreased oil asl at l2 hereby the end edges of the washers 3i and cxlacting bosses 2| provide circumferentially :dared surfaces at each end of the points cf attachment cf the laminated ring.

II to the center ring. Fitting over the threaded end of each companion pair` of bolts 28 to coact with the bosses 2|l at the other side of the center ring are plain arcuate-shaped washers ,3l which are freely movable thru and align with the arcuate openings k28 in the coupling member 1.. `These washers 89 have vtheirend' edges rounded or easedI oil! as at 84 to provide circumferentially ared end surfaces similar tothe Y nriiared surfaces I1 and 29 etc. j -Nuts jl threaded on the bolts 29 secure the laminated rings to the center ringl I. l

In-the form of coupling shown in Figures 1 to 4, the bosses I8 have been shown formed integral with the coupling members, and the bosses 2| Iormedintesralwith the' center-ring 9. Ihebosses y alecm .l

i9 andll alsoactasspacersforspacingthelamiiateach end as at 4I.Y Extending inwardly along the loweredge of the bos 31 is a lip -42 and these Dated rings 8nd it will be noted that the inner end of the coupling Vbolts I9 are spaced slightly .from thecenterringsoastopermitinsertlonof a suitable wrench upon the nuts 30. With the formofcouplingshowninFigureslto4,the laminated rings i0 and VIl eachl have a four point engagement, two'points of engagement being with their respective coupling members and two with the center ring. 'I'he number of pointsof engagement of the rings mayvary however,

vias shown in Figure .10.

position upon their respective shafts 5 and i.`

With the coupling members 1 and 8 secured upon their shafts,"the laminated rings Ill-and il are secured to the coupling members bythe bolts I9. The center ring 9may then be slid into position between the laminated ringsY and the bolt holes 22 therein aligned with proper openings-26 in the laminated rings. The bolts 23 may then be slid thru the openings in the washers 3l and this assembly of bolt and washer inserted thru the 'opening 20 in the coupling members, the 4bolts ;23 passing thru the ring I0, center ring 9 vand ring Il. The plain washer 33 may then be slid over the threaded end-of the bolts 23 and the nuts 35 tightened by a socket wrench inserted ,thru the opening 29 in the coupling member 1. 'Ihe ribbed washers 3l will prevent turning of. the bot 39 whllethe nuts. 3@ are being tightened. e two bolts have been shown provided at each attaching pointy` f j-thelaminated rings, it will be apparent 'tf1 merely one bolt may be employed if desired.

Referring now to the form of the invention as disclosed in Figures 8 to 12 inclusive, in this form of the invention, separable bosses are provided and a single bolt is provided for attachment of the bosses. 'I'he coupling B embodies a pair of duplicate coupling members 1' and 8' respectively keyed lto the shafts 5' and 6 and having disposed therebetween `a center or cou- -D11ng ring9. Providing a'. exible coupling beof the hub. The outer face of the ilange I 4' is' 'provided with 'an annular groove' "|5'- and an annular series of openings 36 isprovided in the ange. These openings 36 are counterbored at their inner ends as at 36' and at their outer ends open into the annular grooves I5'. In the example shown, there are three of these openings -36 in each ilange l4' and each of these openings is adapted to receive a separable boss 31 such as shown in Figure 1l. l

.These separable bosses V31'a're of a single bolt type and are provided with a transversev opening 38 for receiving a single attaching'bolt 39, the

head of which-is adapted to'gbc disposed in the annular grooves I5'. 'Ihe 'outer side of the'boss 31 is provided with asleeve40 adapted to en A gage in the counter-bored potion 39" of the openings 36. These bosses 31 are intended to be disposed upon the inner face of theflange I 4' and. have theirinner faces rounded 'or` eased oil `lips are intended to engage the'inner circum-Y ference of the laminated rings and providemeans for retaining thejboes in position against rotation with the rounded edges 4I in circumferential relation to the laminated ring. Coacting with each of the separable bosses 31 is a washer 43 having a transverse :bolt-receiving opening 44 and provided along its outer arcuate edge with an extendedlip 45 'adapted lto engage over the outer edge of the laminated rings to; prevent turning of the washer. lThe bearing face of the washer 43 has its end edges rounded or eased off as at 49. 'The nut "threaded upon the inner end of each bolt 39 serve to retain thev laminated rings in position Abetween the bosses 31--and washers 43 and this assembly in position upon the coupling member. bosses 31 andthe lip 45 of the washers 43 permit use of the single couplingrbolt 39 and retain the rounded end edges 4| and 46 in proper Vposition extending transversely across the Ilaminated rings.

The center ring 9' is provided with a num Thus, the lip .42 of theI of evenly spaced apart openings 48 which, in the assembledzcoupling .are disposed midway between the openings 36 and align with openings 29' provided in the flanges I4'. A separable boss 31 through the openings in these aligned bosses 31' is a coupling bolt 49. The washers 43 for coacting with the bosses 31 are identical to the washers 43 and have the lip along their outer edges for engagingA the outer edges of the lami-V natedrlngs. The nuts 53 threaded on the end of eachv coupling bolt 49 serve to retain the bosses 31 in position on thecenter ring 9' and they laminated rings in position betweenthe bosses 31.' and-the washers 43'. The openings 29' permit insertion of the bolt 49 during bling of the coupling.

assem- ,I

' Y' 45l v "With use of the separable bosses upon both the `coupling members and the center ring, the

replacement of'bosses may be accomplished without removal of the coupling members from the shafts. While the separable bosses have been shown fastened to the coupling'members and center ring by means of the same bolts that hold the laminated rings in position,these bosses may be otherwise fastened to thecolrpling members and center ring such as by welding or otherwise Vif'so desired.

.As shown in' Figure`8, the thin metal discs formingvthe laminations of the ringslll or ll'f v4have a series of openings 5I which are six in number and through which the bolts 39 and 49 'arealternately passed. As shown by the parallel lines across the discsfshownin Figure 8, the grain of the metal in adjacent discs will be circlnnferentially oiset for 60.

- -Figure `-13- shows a slightly modied form of fthe'separable boss' adaptable for use with the coupling shown in Figure 9. The boss v52 shown in Figure 1 3 is ofthe singlebolt type and is' provided alongits inner edgewith extendedlugs A 10'V Figure 14 shows aawasher v In Figure 15, the boss 88 is provided along its A inner edge with extended pins 61, while the washer 88 shown in Figure 16 is provided along its outer edge with extended pins 59.'

In Figures 17, 18 and 19, the separable boss 68 has been shown with a'n extended lip 8| along its outer edge while the washer 62 has been shown with an extended lip 63 along its inner edge. In Figure 17, like reference numerals have been applied to corresponding parts as shown in Figure 9.

Figure 20 shows the separable boss 84 provided with extended lugs along its outer edge, while Figure 21 shows the washer 8'6 provided with extended lugs 8l along its inner edge.

Figure 22 shows the separable boss 88 provided with extended pins 69 along its outeredge, While the washer 18 shown in Figure 23 has extended pins 1| along its inner edge.

It will be noted that Figures 18 and 19 diier from Figures 11 and 12 in the position of the lip; Figures 21^and 22 differ from Figures 13 and 14 in the position of the lugs, while Figures 22 and 23 diiler from Figures 15 and 16 in the position of the pins. Referring to Figures 24 to 26, the separable boss 12 shown in Figure 25 has an extended lip 13 along its 'inner edge and also an extended lip 14 along its outer edge. The vgasher 15 shown in Figure 26 has an extended lip 16 along its inner edge and also an extended lip 11 along its outer edge. 4

In all of the various modified forms of separable bosses and washers as shown in Figures 11 to 26 inclusive, it will be observed that the end edges oi' the bosses and washers are rounded or 'eased off so that when in assembled relation these l rounded edges provide flaring surfaces which extend across the full width of the rings at opposite ends of each point of attachment of the laminated rings. i

Referring now to the form of the invention as disclosed in Figures 27 to 29, the form of coupling disclosed therein ,provides among other advantages, a space factor which is desirable in certain applications of the coupling as for example when the coupling is used on an engine drive and one `side of the coupling is bolted to the y wheel. In the example illustrated, the coupling C has been shown as forming a flexible coupling between a ily Wheel or the like 88 and a shaft 8|. The coupling C embodies a coupling member 82 for attachment upon the shaft 8|, a coupling member 83 for attachment to the driving member or ily wlreel 88, and a center ring 84 having flexible connection at one side with the coupling member 82 by means of a laminated metal disc ring 85 and at itsrther side with the coupling member 83 by means of a laminated metal disc ring 882 The coupling member 82`Pembodies alhub 81 provided at its outer end with a flange 88 having an annular groove 89 provided in its outer face. Provided in the ilange 88 is a series of alternately arranged openings' 98 and 9|, the openings 9|. being of greater diameter than the openings 98.4

' side through openings in the laminated ring and also through washers 84 which have been shown I as being of the type illustratedin Figure 26 and having'an extended lip along both its inner and outer edges. A nut 98 is threaded upon the inner end of each bolt 93 for securing the ring 85 to the coupling member 82.

Provided on one face or side of the coupling ring 84 is an annular series of bosses 98 through each of which is extended an opening 91 for receiving a coupling bolt 98. These bosses ,98.

88 from that at which the lugs 96 extend, is an annular series of four bosses |8| as shown in dotted lines in Figure 29, and extended through each of the bosses |8| is an opening |82 for receiving a coupling bolt |83. These bosses |8| are arranged in radial alignment with the bosses 98 and are arranged on a circle having a greater radius than the circle of the bosses 98. The laminated ring 88 is adapted tchave one face bear upon the bosses |8| and be clamped thereagainst by washers |84 against -which nuts |05 on the bolts |83 act. As will be observed, the laminated ring 88 is of greater'diameter than that of the laminated ring 85.

As will be observed in Fig- The coupling member y83 is provided on one with an annular series of bosses |08 which are four in number and evenly spaced 90 apart on a circle of equal diameter to thatl of the openings |82 in the center ring 84. Extended through the coupling memberat each of the bosses |88 isan opening |01 and provided in the coupling 'member' 83 between eachof the openings |81 is a larger openingai 88 aligning one with each of the bolts |83. Extended through each of the openings |01 is a bolt |89 having its inner` threaded end extending through openings in the laminated ring 88 and through washers Threaded upon the inner end of each bolt |89 -is a nut serving to secure the ring 86 to the coupling member 83.

Thus it will be seenthat the center ring 84 is coupled at opposite sides to the coupling members by laminated rings of dierent radii.

The coupling member 83 may be secured to the fly wheel or other`driving member 88 in any preferred manner and Ain the example shown, bolts ||2 are provided for securing the coupling member 83 at its peripheral portion to the ily wheel.

The openings 9| in the coupling member 82 will permit removal ofthe bolts 98, while the openings |88 in the Lcoupling member 83 will permit removal of the nuts |85 whereby the center ring and the laminated rings may be placed and removed without disconnecting eitherof the coupling members 82 or 83. l

- Thus it will be seen that a flexible shaft coupling has been provided wherein the positive driving 4connection between thev shafts will be had and angular and parallel misalignment of the shafts permitted without wear and undue strain upon the flexible coupling elements. With the improved coupling as disclosed. the :dared end surfaces at the points of attachment of the disposed betv'reenr each coupling and the laminated metal disc rings will allow the bending center ring, a segmental-shaped washer for each strain`of the rings to be distributed over a greater area instead oi being concentrated atV boss, eans for retaining the bosses and washers concentric with the flexible rings, said bosses and `a. sharp edge when end play or misalig'nment f washers-having rounded end surfaces-extending of the shafts occur. VIt will also be seen that the exible laminated metal disc rings are so constructed as to provide for maximum strength anduniform flexibility throughout their cir!- cumference.

Changes in details may be made to the forms of invention herein shown and describedVwithout departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A ex'lble shaft coupling comprising a pair of coupling members each having spaced apart hoses on its inner face, `a centering ring disposed between the coupling members and having spaced apart bosses on eachface thereof, a washer co-acting with each boss, a kexible ring disposed between each coupling member and the -Acentering ring in engagement thruout its full width with` the bosses and washers, said .bosses and washers having each'of their end edges Lrounded oE in circumferential relation to the exible rings withfthe axes of generation of the rounded edges on aline radially of the rings, and means for separately securing the exible rings at alternate points to the coupling members and the center ring.

2. A flexible coupling comprising a pair of coupling members each having annularly arranged segmental-shaped bosses on its inner face pro- =vided-with bearing surfaces having rounded ends,

a center ring between the coupling members having annularly arranged segmental-shaped bosses on opposite facesthereof provided with bearing surfaces having rounded ends, a laminated metal ring Adisposed between each coupling member and the center ring to engage the bearing surfaces of the bosses', a segmental-shaped washer for each boss and having rounded ends, -said roundedends of the bossesand washers being-convergent on the axis of the coupling and extending thrulout the full width of the laminated ring, and a' y pair of securing bolts extending through each washer audits boss.

3. A flexible coupling comprising a pair of coupling members each having an annular series of elongated segmental-shaped bosses on its inner face, a pair of openings through each of said bosses, a center ring disposed between -the coupling members andl having elongated segmentalshaped bosses on each face thereof in aligning relation, a pair of openings through each of the aligning bosses on the center ring, a flexible -laminated ring between each coupling member andthe center ring in engagementcwith the bosses thereof and having openings aligning with the lopeningsin said bosses, an elongated segmental-shaped washer for each boss and hav:J

ving a pair'of openings, said bosses land washers each having rounded end edges extending thruout the full width offthej laminated rings, and bolts extending through the openings insaid bosses, laminated rings and the washers for securing the elements in assembled relation.

4; A flexible coupling comprising apair of coupling members 'each having a series of separable segmental-shaped homes on its inner face, con- -centric to the axis of thecoupling member, a

center ring having a series of separable segmental-shapedbosses on each face thereof VIconcentrictotheaxisottherlnmailexible'rins tending through each washer and its boss andl securing the boss to its respective carrying element.

5- A flexiblev coupling`.comprising Ya rpair of coupling members,a center Vring disposed. between the coupling members, a laminated ring disposed between each coupling member and the center ring, -a series of separable segmentalshaped bosses on the inner face of each coupling member and eachhaving an extended portion on onearcuate edge engageable with the laminated rings for preventing rotation of the boss, a series of separablesegmental-shaped bosses at each face of Athe center ring and each having an extension on one arcuate edge engaging a laminated ring for preventing rotation of these bosses, a segmental-shaped washer for each boss and each having an extension on one arcuate edge engageable with alaminated ring for preventing rotation of the washer, said bosses and washers having each of their end edges rounded oi in circumferential relation to the laminated rings and being of a widthat least equal to the width of the laminated rings, 'and single securing bolts securing the. bosses to their respective elements and clamping the laminated rings between -the bosses and their respective washers.

6. A exible coupling comprising a pair of a,

provided with rounded end surfaces, a flangealong one arcuate edge of each boss, a bolt extending through each boss 'for securing' the bosses to the coupling members, a laminated,v ring for each coupling member and through which said bolts extend, said bosses being held against Y rotation through engagement of said 'flanges with the laminated rings, a segmental-shaped Washer for each'boss having an arcuate ange engage-4 able with thev laminated rings and provided with Y Vrounded end surfaces, a nut for each bolt and engaging said washers, a center -l'ing disposed between the laminated rings'and having separable segmental-shaped bosses on eachside thereof arranged between the bosses on the coupling members and provided with rounded end surfaces, said bosses on the center ring having an arcuate nange' engageable with the laminated rings, a segmental-shaped washer for each boss on the center ring and each having .an arcuate ange engageable.with the -laminate'd'ringand provided with rounded end surfaces, and a bolt for securing aligning bosses on thefcenter ringl in position and connecting the laminated rings to these bosses, said laminatedV -rings having a 'width no greater than the width ofthe rounded end surfaces-of the bosses and washersjon a line' radially of the coupling. A 7. A exible coupling transmissionring comvpised of a series of-rolled sheet metal discs-arranged with the grain of the metal in each disc at a predetermined angle to that of its next adjacent vdisc. Y

8. A laminated flexible ring. composed of a series of thin-rolled sheet metal discs assembled 'with the grain of the metal in adjacent'discs 'inangularrelatim s. 1n n flexible coupling embodying laminatedcenter ring whereby the bending strain on the rings between adjacent points 'of mounting is distributed thruout the full width of the rings in a. direction circumferentially of the rings.

11. A exible coupling comprising a pair of 20 coupling members each having an annular series of segmental-shaped bosses on its inner face and with the bosses on one couplingv member arranged on a greater radius than that Ao! the ,companion'coupling member, a center ring disposed between the coupling members having an annular series of segmental-shaped bosses on one face co-acting with the bosses on one coupling member and an annular series of segmental-shaped bosses on itsl opposite face co-acting with the bosses on the other coupling'member, a exible ring disposed between each coupling member and the center ring in engagement with the bosses, a segmental-shaped washer for each boss, said bosses and washers having each end rounded ofl.' and having a width at least equal to the width of the flexible rings, and a bolt extending through each boss for securing th iieible rings to the bosses. y

BERTHA E. THOMAS. HJ 

